A man was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park after he kicked the animal in the leg, which park officials say is the first incident of this kind in 2024. The man, Clarence Yoder, was arrested and jailed after being treated for minor injuries. Rangers received a call about Yoder harassing a bison herd and kicking one of the animals near the park’s west entrance. It is unclear how the bison injured Yoder, but he was charged with being under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct, and approaching and disturbing wildlife. His companion, McKenna Bass, was charged with driving under the influence, failing to yield to a police car, and disturbing wildlife.
Bison are the largest land mammal in North America, with bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds and capable of sprinting up to 40 mph. Despite their size, bison can be dangerous and have been known to injure tourists who get too close to them. Yellowstone officials remind visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from all large wildlife in the park to ensure both their safety and the well-being of the animals. The incident involving Yoder and Bass is the first reported visitor injury by a bison in 2024, with the last reported incident occurring in July 2023 when a woman was gored by a bison, suffering significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. In 2022, there were three reported incidents involving visitors and bison, including one where a woman was gored and tossed in the air by an animal when she got too close.
As Yellowstone National Park facilities begin opening for the busy summer season, officials are urging visitors to exercise caution and respect the wildlife in the park. The incident with Yoder and Bass serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of approaching wild animals and the importance of maintaining a safe distance. Yellowstone is unique in that it is the only place in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times, making encounters with these iconic animals a common occurrence in the park. The park will continue to monitor visitor interactions with wildlife and enforce regulations to protect both visitors and animals. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone from a safe distance and follow guidelines set by park officials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the park.
The two men involved in the incident, Yoder and Bass, pleaded not guilty in court to the charges brought against them. Yoder was treated for his injuries, the nature of which was not disclosed by park officials, and subsequently arrested for his actions. Bison are powerful and unpredictable animals, capable of causing serious harm if provoked or approached too closely. The incident with Yoder and Bass serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disturbing wildlife in national parks and the importance of respecting the natural habitat of these animals. Park visitors are reminded to adhere to park rules and regulations regarding wildlife viewing and to exercise caution when encountering animals in their natural habitat to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In Yellowstone National Park, bison play a vital role in maintaining the park’s ecosystem and are an integral part of its natural heritage. Despite their peaceful appearance, bison can be dangerous when threatened or provoked, and visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from these animals to avoid potential injury. The incident involving Yoder and Bass highlights the need for visitors to exercise caution and respect the wildlife in the park to ensure their own safety as well as the well-being of the animals. As Yellowstone prepares for the summer season, officials are working to educate visitors about the importance of responsible wildlife viewing and the potential risks of approaching wild animals. By following guidelines and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone while protecting themselves and the animals that call the park home.
